3450-3550 MHz

The Beat CHINA for 5G Act of 2020 requires that the non-federal allocation for 3450-3550 MHz be revised to permit flexible-use services. The Act also requires that an auction of 3450-3550 MHz band begin no later December 31, 2021.

On July 12, 2021, DoD held a workshop to provide potential bidders in the upcoming FCC auction with information about ongoing DoD operations in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band that will require coordination.  In addition, DoD has distributed controlled unclassified information (CUI) via the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) National Coordinating Center for Communications (NCC).  Entities that are not NCC members can access DoD’s CUI by signing the FCC’s Protective Order in accordance with instructions in the Protective Order accompanying Public Notice.

• DoD Workshop Information
• FCC’s Public Notice of Protective Order to Provide Auction 110 Applicants Access to Controlled Unclassified Information on Department of Defense Systems in the 3.45-3.55 GHz Band
• FCC’s Auction 110 Protective Order for Access to Controlled Unclassified Information on Department of Defense Systems in the 3.45-3.55 GHz Band

On June 3, 2021, as required by 47 U.S.C. § 923(h)(5), NTIA posted the publicly releasable approved transition plans along with additional transition information provided by DOD.  On July 23, NTIA posted updates to the DOD Workbook and Workbook Explanation, and archived the prior versions.

Transition Plans and Transition Data for the 3450-3550 MHz Band

On June 2, 2021, NTIA and FCC, through its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, jointly issued a Public Notice that provides (i) information for potential bidders in the upcoming 3.45 GHz Service auction and (ii) guidance to the ultimate 3.45 GHz Service licensees and the affected federal incumbents regarding coordination procedures for shared use of the 3.45 GHz band. 

• Joint Public Notice on Coordination Procedures in the 3450-3550 MHz Band

On February 19, 2021, as a result of the further collaborative efforts between NTIA, the Department of Defense (“DoD”), and the FCC, NTIA submitted a letter into the FCC Docket “Amendment of the Commission’s Rules with Regard to Facilitating Shared Use in the 3100-3550 MHz Band” providing spectrum management details of DoD’s Cooperative Planning Area and Periodic Use Area set forth in the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In addition, specific requirements for two of the Cooperative Planning Areas, more details on federal/non-federal coordination procedures, and other information and views for the record is provided.

On January 14, 2021, NTIA provided initial estimated relocation or sharing costs and timelines for the 3450-3550 MHz spectrum band to the Committees on Appropriations and Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to the Committees on Appropriations and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate for approval, and notified the Federal Communications Commission and Comptroller General.